How to get Windows Phone 8.1 today

Microsoft released Windows Phone 8.1 today, and contrary to its label of "Windows Phone Preview for Developers," anyone can upgrade their current Windows Phone 8-powered handset.

Registered Windows Phone developers who have previously opted into previews -- Microsoft launched the early-look program last October -- can immediately download the preview onto their smartphones. But Microsoft has set a very low bar for entry to its developers program, making it easy for anyone to obtain the pre-release operating system.

Register as a Windows Phone developer....

For $19 annually, anyone can register as a developer with publishing privileges on the Windows Phone Store, the official distribution mart for all Windows Phone apps. A Microsoft Account and valid credit card are required.

[Note: At mid-day Monday, the App Studio seemed overloaded, and returned the message, "There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again," several times before Computerworld was able to log on.]

Download the Preview for Developers app

Registered developers must first download, then run, the Preview for Developers app, a free app available here on the Windows Phone Store.

By signing into the app with the same Microsoft Account credentials used to create a developer account, the smartphone will be able to detect the 8.1 preview.

Grab the preview

In the Apps List, tap "Settings," then "Phone Update" and finally tap the "Check for Updates" button.

The update will begin downloading to the phone

Caveats, or previewer beware

Microsoft spells out a long page of legalese related to the Windows Phone Preview for Developers, but the important points number just three:

1. Depending on the carrier's and handset maker's warranty policies, installing the Windows Phone 8.1 preview may void said warranty.

2. Only Microsoft-made bits are included in the preview: Carrier and OEM changes are not included.

3. Once on the preview, there's no going back. The preview can be upgraded to the final Windows Phone 8.1 code, however, at which point the handset will be indistinguishable from one that never had the preview, thereby putting the handset back under warranty.

Windows Phone 8.1 will appear on new handsets later this month and in early May, Microsoft officials said at the Build developers conference two weeks ago. Existing Windows Phone 8 users will have to wait on their carriers and handset makers to approve 8.1, which will take place, Microsoft has said, over the next several months.

Copyright 2015 IDG Communications. ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited.